2019
APOLLO 18
"Who are you to say I haven't visited the moon?"
With this series, I set out to push the boundaries of my perspective on photography. I delved into experimentation, capturing images in a manner I don't typically explore, revealing new angles and insights.
However, this series isn't merely an artistic experiment; it serves as a personal critique of (my own) art and the propagation of misinformation.
In a world where many accept information without scrutiny, I questioned how we challenge ourselves and each other. How do I imbue my images with meaning, emphasizing genuine research rather than presenting a facade of depth?
Thus, I created a counter-series, documenting my journey to the moon—Apollo 18. And who is anyone to refute that narrative?
APOLLO 18, MISSION LOG.
29 MARCH 2019
One woman mission
It's the year 2019, 37 years since Apollo 17, the last mission to the moon, 50 years since the first moon landing. After years of training, I've decided to go to the moon for personal research.
March 28. I launched at 15:36. The weather was clear which resulted in a smooth launch. The one problem was a flickering signal light.
March 31st, 13:04. I'm currently in lunar orbit and will commence landing sequence in approximately 2 hours.
If everything goes according to plan, I will land on the lunar surface at 15:36. I'm quite curious as to what I will find and come across. I'll keep track of everything in this personal mission log.
APOLLO 18, MISSION LOG.
31 MARCH 2019
First steps on Luna
The first thing catching my eye were the traces of mankind. Eventhough it's been 37 years since we set foot on the lunar surface, you can still see the traces of what we've left behind. Even the moon has been marked by mankind, even here there's proof of our existence.
I think the moon has reacted to our presence all those years ago. Things feel different. Or maybe the moon has a side that's been hidden for us al along? I'm not sure what else I'll discover, but I'm sure this won't be the last time I'll be surprised during this journey...
APOLLO 18, MISSION LOG.
1 APRIL 2019
Emptiness
I've been walking for what feels like ages, but besides plastic and trash left behind from previous missions, I haven't found anything interesting or new. It angers me how we've left behind so much.
I'm still hopeful. I can feel there's more to find than this.
APOLLO 18, MISSION LOG.
2 APRIL 2019
After some groundwork and basic research, I came across this peculiar worm like creature. The skin structure was very rough, not like worms from earth at all. It doesn't seem to be alive anymore. A fossil of what has been.
I think we might've brought the creature with us on a previous mission to the moon. Maybe accidentally, maybe purposefully. I don't know yet. It must have been smaller back then, but have grown without restriction due to the low gravity. As if it has adapted itself to the lack of atmosphere. But eventually is must've went extinct anyways. Maybe because of our absence or a lack of reproductive abilities.
I have collected a sample of it's skin for further research.
APOLLO 18, MISSION LOG.
4 APRIL 2019
Having explored the direct vicinity of the landing area, I ventured further south until I stumbled upon what at first sight looked to be an egg sack of some kind. Upon closer inspection, I believe it to be some sort of biotechnological satellite, dispersing biological probes upon impact with interstellar mass.
The sack was structurally completely different from the worm-like creature I encountered previously. Where the worm was comprised of materials of definite terrestrial origin, the sack is entirely alien. Made from molecular material unregistered in any of Earth’s archives.
It’s material is sadly incredibly fragile, dissolving the moment I made physical contact. Luckily I was able to make a digital scan prior, or nobody would believe this weird discovery….
